Nikko is a 10 year old American Pit Bull Terrier. Our challenge was teach Nikko the speak cue. Nikko didn’t know what the word meant in the beginning. After all, dogs do not speak English. This is not a dog training tutorial. I created this video for a friend and to illustrate that any healthy, normal older dog this is physically able, CAN learn new tricks with the use of positive reinforcement and clicker training. ***Note: I used lots of high-pitched praise because this is one of Neko’s motivators, along with cheese. However, in a normal clicker training session, it is best to avoid making too much “white noise.” Also, when teaching a dog to speak on cue, it is VERY important to capture the behavior when there is no underlying emotion present. In other words, DO NOT praise a dog or puppy for barking at other people, dogs, or animals.*** Special thanks to Josh Woodward for his song, “Omaha.”

oODanielSanOo

hunkymonkeykaine

@oODanielSanOo Yes. Never click next to the dog’s head or face. Also, move around the room and put yourself in different positions (like sit, stand, ect). Remember, one click ALWAYS equals one treat. Have fun and happy clicking!

SiriusScientist

I wish I had realized to vary my position sooner (though I normally move around the room)! I made the connection this weekend that Sirius only “takes a bow” if I’m sitting on the floor! Now we are working on me sitting in a chair, and standing while asking him to bow. He’s catching on but for a while was QUITE certain I should be in the floor for it to be totally affective :)

Thanks for the tip and fabulous video!!

5 stars!

slcpunklvr

RescueCadetsUSA

I love this video for 2 reasons, it debunks 2 myths. You, most obviously, CAN teach an old dog NEW tricks. AND American Pit Bull Terriers aren’t mean, agressive, bad dogs that no one can control. Great job Ashley! Awesome!!!

PurdyBear1

This is great! As long as the owner is willing to keep working with a dog, the dog can learn – as long as it’s healthy, just like they emphasized at the end of the video. Clicker training makes it so much easier too.